Unai Emery explains Harvey Elliott decision after former Liverpool star subbed at half-time

Harvey Elliott was substituted at the break in Aston Villa’s 3-1 win against Fulham

Unai Emery says Harvey Elliott requires more time to settle into his squad but lauded Emi Buendia’s attitude following his pivotal contribution to Aston Villa’s maiden victory of the Premier League campaign against Fulham. Buendia netted his first Premier League goal in 925 days, stretching Villa’s advantage over Fulham to 3-1 in the 51st minute, mere moments after setting up John McGinn’s effort, which had sealed the turnaround.

Raul Jimenez broke the deadlock in the third minute, before Ollie Watkins levelled matters in the 37th.

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Elliott, who earned his debut league start for Villa on Sunday, was withdrawn at the interval for Buendia, a substitution Emery subsequently confirmed was a tactical choice.

“He needs to adapt in everything, but I changed him not because he was playing bad,” Emery explained. “He was playing good, but I changed him thinking about the energy Emi Buendia gives us in that moment, and his skills as well.”, reports Birmingham Live.

“He has to continue working, preparing and adapting of us, understanding everything, then using our quality in his structure.”

Then, speaking to Sky Sports, Emery said of Elliott: “Keep going, for him and I change him more tactically because Emiliano Buendia is giving us energy and his adaptation is better than Elliott. He needs time, Elliott. Emiliano did fantastic.”

Returning to his press conference, Emery praised Buendia’s dedication and work rate, which he claims the player demonstrates not only in today’s triumph but daily at Bodymoor Heath.

“The most important thing for the players and Emiliano is his commitment,” the Villa boss said.

“He did not want to leave. He had the possibility to leave, but he wanted to stay.

“He wanted to involve and take the commitment of working at Aston Villa. He is showing it every day here at Aston Villa.

“In the second half, after he played on Thursday, he tried to get his best through his energy and qualities. He is versatile as well.

“He scored, fantastic. He helped us, and I think he is going to be important, very important, hopefully.”

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